Mill and Pumping Station Day 2026
On May 9 and 10, we’ll be opening many windmills and pumping stations in our region. During these days, you can see up close how these unique structures work and why they’re important for water management. Millers and operators will be happy to explain exactly how everything works and answer your questions.
National Windmill and Pumping Station Day is an annual event held in May. During this weekend, we celebrate our heritage. You can learn about waterworks that were used in the past—and in some cases, are still in use today. There will be guided tours and short demonstrations. Everyone is welcome, and admission is free. Most mills and pumping stations are open from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., but this may vary by location. Please note that there are no restrooms available.
Participating windmills and pumping stations
Boat ride
This year, there’s a special activity: a short boat ride of about 20 minutes to the Bergermeer Defense Pumping Station. This pumping station is located diagonally across from the Bosmolen and was built in 1939, when Bergen Airport was constructed. It’s tucked away inside the dike, making it almost “invisible.” The Defense Pumping Station itself is not open to the public.
Boat departure times:
- around 11:00 a.m.
- around 12:30 p.m.
- around 2:00 p.m.
The boat departs from the Wimmenumermolen, located at Krommedijk 2 in Egmond aan de Hoef.
Would you like to join us? Please make a reservation (by phone or via WhatsApp) with Eric Zwijnenberg, the miller at the Wimmenumer Mill, at 06-29-56 32 21.
Dutch Steam Museum in Medemblik
The visitor center at the Dutch Steam Engine Museum in Medemblik has been renovated. The floor space has been expanded, and the space has been completely redesigned and redecorated. The building, which is managed by HHNK, houses a large number of objects from our collection. With this renovated visitor center, the museum can now welcome its visitors in an inviting and forward-looking environment. The museum has also gained space for a permanent exhibition on the history of water and the pumping station. During these days, the museum is open from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The museum’s address is Oosterdijk 4 in Medemblik.
Beetskoog pumping station
The Beetskoog museum pumping station once pumped water from the polder to the Schermerboezem. This former steam-powered pumping station was built in 1877 and drained the polder until 1954. The new Beetskoog electric pumping station, with a capacity of 86m³/min, located a short distance away near Provincial Road N247, took over the drainage task at that time. One of the two windmills that drained the polder until 1877 used to stand here along the same road. Has this piqued your interest? You can visit the pumping station on Sunday, May 10.
